The family of Carl Sargeant has thanked the Connah's Quay community for their support after "the hardest week of our lives".

Jack Sargeant, son of the late Alyn and Deeside AM, said the family have been "overwhelmed by support" since Mr Sargeant was found dead last Tuesday.

Mr Sargeant, 49, was found hanged in his family home in Connah's Quay four days after being sacked from his cabinet role and suspended from the Labour Party following allegations about his personal behaviour, which he denied.

On Tuesday AMs spent more than an hour remembering the industrial firefighter-turned-politician who never forgot his roots.

Tributes to Carl Sargeant outside the gates of the Connah's Quay Labour Club (Image: Ian Cooper)

“He was ever present in the cabinet and with good reason. I appointed him because he was good at legislation because he was good with people and he brought the voice of Deeside to the heart of Government.

“Carl was a great one for karaoke. The Labour group bash at Christmas had him as the DJ and karaoke king.

“He loved to remind us when he said ‘you South Walian’s can’t sing’.

“It is difficult to imagine this year what it will be like without him. And in subsequent years.

“He was also the best heckler in the chamber. Never nasty, always witty,” Mr Jones said.